Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1887-03-07
THE RETALIATION MEASURE

One OF the last acts OF the President
rrior to the adjournment of Congress, wa.
to approve the measure known as the
fisheries retaliation bill. There was grea
jubilation along the New England coast
the region where men 90 down to sea t.
catch herring, mackerel and cod-wher
the Presidents approval was made pub
| lie. In every town along the coast bon
fires blszed and the people rejOiced. Thi:
vas perfectly natural, for in tie section
named the fisheries industry is the lead
ing one, affording a livelihood to thou.
sands of persons and employing large
number of vessels. These people are in
terested in knowing that it is the inten-
ton Of the government to protect them in
all their legal rights under existing trea-
! ties, that they may pursue their avocation
in peace and undisturbed. 1t is TO be
! hoped, however, there will not be occa,
sion for the exercise by the Presi,
dent of the discretionary powers
placed in his hands by Congress in regard
to this matter. 1t was wise and timely
policy to put on foot effectual measures
for the protection of our cltiz Ms, as well
as to assert the dignity of our govern
ment. The country will commend and
appreciate the action of Congress in pass
ing the retaliatory bill. But while thus
commencing thoughtful, sensible people
do not desire to see any trouble between
this country and Canada, which means
Great Britain in the event OF war. It is
satisfactory to know that if occasion
shall arise the President is empowered to
take prompt action in the way of re-
priSalS, but it is more satisfactory to hope
! that the common sense and friendliness
of both nations will operate in way to
preclude the necessity for resort to the
retaliatory policy contemplated by the bill
There are numerous good reasons why
Canada ard the United States should eX-
ercise a large degree of liberality and
moderation in dealing with each other,
but there is not one good reason why
they should get atloggerheads, quarrel OF
fight. And while, in the event of hostili.
| ties, it Is certain that the United States
would eventually get the best of the con-
fict, it should be borne in mind that al
the outset this country would be the heav,
lest loser in such conflict. 1t is true that
within a very brief time after a declara,
ton of hostilities we could throw 8
heavy force of volunteer soldiery across
the line and literally overrun Canada. II
is also true that within two weeks after q
declaration of war British war vessels
capable of utterly destroying all our coast
cities, from Portland, Me, to San Fran
cisco, would arrive on our seaboard and
be ready to commence the work. We
have not even one vessel in our navy
that would dare approach within
range of the first or even second-class
war vessels of the British navy; We have
no Notifications or heavy ordnance anr'
where on our coast that could keep of
these vessels. Que of them could lay Of
New York, out of reach OF the guns II
the forts there, keep off any number Of
vessels OF our navy and destroy tn great
city st leisure. And so at Boston, Balti-
more. Washington, New Orleans, Calves
ton, etc. There are many rather forcible
reasons for keeping peace with Great
Britain as long as it is possible to do sc
and preserve the national dignity and
se1-respect. THE GAZETTE has always
believed, though, that wise counsels
would prevail on each side. The fisheries
season will open very soon and it is to be
hoped nothing will arise to call forth the
exercise of extraordinary measures. All
that each side has to do is observe the
treaty faithfully and honorably. The
President is acautious and discreet man,
who is not likely to lose his temper and
embroil the nation in trouble without real
and ample provocation.